27 April 2017

Today Is Dutch King's Day

The crowded Oud Haven today.

Today, the entire Netherlands celebrates the Koning's Dag or in English, King's Day. Up until 2013, when Queen Beatrix abdicated and was succeeded by her son Willem-Alexander, this holiday was known as Koninginnedag or Queen's Day. When I first witnessed this celebration (2013), it was still the Queen's Day. It is my fourth time to see this big annual Dutch event, and I can say, there are some changes. The celebration includes partying (both in private homes or on the street), wearing orange costumes, flea markets, concerts, and traditional local gatherings. Today, our family went to the city, a usual thing to do with King's Day. The flea market consists of free space all over the city for anyone who like to sell second hand items. I noticed that this year, the sellers are not as many as the precious years. I also noticed that the shops and eating places in the city are open, unlike the previous years that they are closed to give way to the public who want to take the place to display their for sale second hand items. As what I promised, I have some photos to share. From the Netherlands, happy King's Day to all of you, anywhere you are in the world!

Most people are wearing color orange, the Dutch national color.

On King's Day you can spread any second hand items that you want to sell. Free market. Flea market.

Shops and homes hang the Dutch flag.

Little fire brigade in action.

They are crowned too.

will take you around the city.

Last year, this area was full of both people and goods, now it is empty as this.